Asai Restaurant in Belmont Has Closed

Belmont bid farewell to a Japanese restaurant that had been around for almost 20 years, but a new restaurant is already slated to take its place, according to Boston Restaurant Talk. Asai Restaurant, located at 30 Leonard St., reportedly posted a sign indicating its closure and its owner’s decision to retire, along with details on the place that will be taking over.

A new restaurant called Shine’s, which previously operated in Alaska, will be taking over for Asai, with a soft opening slated for October 10, an employee reached at the restaurant Tuesday morning confirmed. Shine’s in Alaska appears to be under new ownership, and BRT noted that the sign at Asai indicated the owners of Shine’s had relocated to Boston.

The restaurant will focus on Asian fusion, including sushi and sashimi, Thai dishes, noodles, soups, and much more.

• Asai in Belmont Has Closed; Shine's to Replace It [BRT]